A METHOD AND AN ARRANGEMENT FOR SEALING

Abstract: A sealing method by means of which breaking of a seal is detected at least subsequently. The method is mainly characterized by recording breaking of the seal in a readable manner with the aid of an updatable information carrier (2). The invention also relates to a sealing arrangement.

Description: A METHOD AND AN ARRANGEMENT FOR SEALING The present invention relates to a method of sealing an object wherein breaking of the seal can be detected, at least subsequently. The invention also relates to a sealing arrangement. A seal in the meaning of an arrangement which is so constructed that a change in the state of the seal, such as the opening of a door or the dispatch of goods can be clearly detected subsequently is, of course, encumbered with serious problems, such as high costs and unreliability in operation. The present invention relates to a method and to an arrangement by means of which an object can be sealed extremely reliably and with a high degree of flexibility at relatively low cost. The invention thus relates to a method as defined in the preamble of the following Claim 1 and as mainly character¬ ized by the features set forth in the characterizing clause of the Claim. The invention also relates to an arrangement according to the preamble of the following Claim 7, this arrangement being characterized mainly by the features set forth in the characterizing clause of Claim 7. The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to exemplifying embodiments thereof and also with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which - Fig. 1 illustrates schematically a door sealed in accordance with the invention; Fig. 2 illustrates the seal shown in Fig. 1; - Fig. 3 illustrates schematically an object sealed in accordance with the invention; - Fig. 4 illustrates schematically an information carrier and a reader unit; and - Fig. 5 illustrates schematically a clock unit for recording the times at which events concerning an inventive seal takes place. Fig. 1 illustrates a door 1 which is sealed in accordance with the invention, wherein there is provided on the door frame 3 an updatable information carrier 2 which records in a readable manner breaking of the seal, which corresponds to opening of the door 1. The information carrier is preferably a smart card. Fig. 2 illustrates a breaker unit 4 which coacts with the information carrier and which changes state when the seal is broken, i.e. breaks a circuit, so that breaking of the seal is detected. In the illustrated case, the breaker unit is arranged to be activated by a magnet 5 mounted on the door, although other breaker devices of a generally known kind can be used, for instance mechanical microswitches and like devices. Fig. 3 illustrates an embodiment in which the seal is used in connection with goods and where breaking of the seal is corresponded by removal of the goods from a predetermined place. The reference numeral 7 identifies a clock unit from which time information in the form of date and clock time can be delivered to the information carrier so as to register breaking of the seal and preferably, when applicable, to reset the seal, i.e. to close the door, etc. The information carrier 2 is intended to be read by contact with a reader unit 8, Fig. 4, or in contactless cooperation with said reader unit, in which the registered information is stored and can be read therefrom, for instance for further transmission to a processing unit (not shown) where the information is evaluated. According to one preferred embodiment, the arrangement also includes an acknowledgement unit 9, illustrated as an alternative in Fig. 4, which is intended for use in combination with the information carrier and by means of which the identity of a person breaking the seal is intended to be transmitted to the information carrier for registration. The acknowledgement unit can be combined with the reader unit to form a single unit. The method and the manner in which the inventive arrange¬ ment operates will be apparent in all essentials from the aforegoing. Breaking and, when applicable, preferably resetting of the seal is thus registered with the informa¬ tion carrier in a readable manner, wherein detection, breaking of the seal, breaking and time point, breaking, time point and identity, etc., according to the different levels of detection, can be registered and thereafter read and processed. It will also be apparent from the aforegoing that the invention provides an inexpensive, flexible and reliable seal. The invention has many different applications. Sealing of offices, storage rooms, stores, etc., and can also be applied in conjunction with supervisory applica- tions. Although the invention has been described in the aforegoing with reference to exemplifying embodiments thereof, it will be understood that other embodiments and minor changes and modifications to the described embodiments are conceivable within the scope of the inventive concept. For instance, the seal can be concealed in doors, door frames, etc. Neither need the seal be divided between a door and door frame for instance, as in the case illustrat¬ ed in Figs. 1 and 2, but that the seal as a whole may be concentrated in one location, such as on the door frame or the like, in which case the door itself will activate a breaker unit or the like. Furthermore, the arrangement may be such as to enable further information to be exchanged between the information carrier and the reader unit and/or the acknowledgement unit, such as admission authorization, for instance. The arrangement may also be constructed to produce an alarm function when the seal is broken. The invention shall not therefore be considered restricted to the aforedescribed and illustrated exemplifying embodi¬ ments thereof, as modifications can be made within the scope of the following Claims.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. A method of sealing an object wherein breaking of the seal is detected at least subsequently, characterized by registering breaking of the seal in a readable manner with the aid of an updatable information carrier (2). 2. A method according to Claim 1, characterized by supplying to the information carrier from a clock unit (7) signals which are representative of the date and time at which the seal was broken, and preferably, when applicable, for resetting the seal. 3. A method according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized by detecting breaking of the seal by virtue of a change in state of a breaking unit (3) . 4. A method according to Claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized by reading the information carrier in response to contact with a reader unit (8) or by contactless cooperation with said reader unit. 5. A method according to Claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, character¬ ized in that the seal relates to a door (1) , goods (6) or the like, wherein breaking of the seal corresponds to opening of the door, removal of the goods or the like. 6. A method according to Claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, charac¬ terized by combining the information carrier with an acknowledgement unit (9) by means of which the identity of a person breaking the seal is transmitted to the informa¬ tion carrier for registration. 7. A sealing arrangement comprising devices for detecting breaking of the seal at least subsequently, characterized by an updatable information carrier (2) for recording breaking of the seal in a readable manner. 8. An arrangement according to Claim 7, characterized by a clock unit (7) from which time-information in the form of a date and clock time is intended to be delivered to the information carrier so as to register the time at which the seal is broken and preferably, in appropriate cases, to cause resetting of the seal. 9. An arrangement according to Claim 7 or 8, character¬ ized by a breaker unit (3) which is intended to detect breaking of the seal by virtue of a change in state. 10. An arrangement according to Claim 7, 8 or 9, charac¬ terized in that the information carrier is arranged to be read as a result of contact with a reader unit (8) , or by contactless cooperation with said reader unit. 11. An arrangement according to Claim 7, 8, 9 or 10, characterized in that the seal is mounted on a door (1), on goods (6) or the like, wherein breaking of the seal corresponds to opening of the door, removal of goods or the like. 12. An arrangement according to Claim 7, 8, 9, 10 or 11, characterized by an acknowledgement unit (9) which is combined with the information carrier and by means of which the identity of a person breaking the seal can be transmit¬ ted to the information carrier for registration purposes.

Inventors: ERIKSSON LENNART, ERIKSSON, LENNART
Applicants: ERIKSSON LENNART, ERIKSSON, LENNART
Application year: 1994
Main classification: G09F3
IPC codes: G07C1, G08B21, G09F3